Cambridge, MA - On August 2, CambridgeSide Galleria will kick off the fifth annual Pack a Backpack School Supply Drive to benefit children and families served by East End House in Cambridge. Over the past four years, mall visitors and employees have donated thousands of pencils, markers and notebooks that are packed into backpacks and donated to local children as they head back to school. Last year alone over 110 backpacks were distributed to children through East End House.

Because of the recent economic downturn, it's become even more difficult for families to purchase supplies for their children's education. That's why CambridgeSide Galleria is getting the word out and asking patrons to stop by the Customer Service Desk on Level 2 and make a small donation. Local businesses and employees are also invited to collect school supplies for this important drive. CVS at CambridgeSide helped jumpstart donations a little this early this summer with a $200 contribution. The general public and business community can donate supplies through Friday, August 20, 2010.

Located in East Cambridge, East End House is a non-profit community center and social service agency that provides programs and services to lower income families and individuals of all ages and abilities. For more information, visit www.eastendhouse.org.

CambridgeSide Galleria is a hip urban shopping center with over 120 stores and restaurants. Located at the end of Memorial Drive on Edwin Land Boulevard in Cambridge, CambridgeSide Galleria is handicapped and MBTA accessible and offers attached parking. For public transportation - Please take the Green Line T to Lechmere Station or take the Red Line T to Kendall Square and catch our FREE Shuttle Bus to CambridgeSide Galleria. For directions and mall information, call 617-621-8666 or visit www.shopcambridgeside.com. Mall hours are Monday-Saturday 10 a.m. – 9 p.m., Sunday 12 p.m. - 7 p.m.